WHO, WIPO, WTO release book on intellectual property and access to medical technologies

"For the first time, the three global intergovernmental bodies dealing with health, intellectual property and trade have pooled their expertise on a study of policies needed to advance medical and health technologies and to ensure they reach the people who need them," a WHO press release states. The book -- released by the WHO, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and World Trade Organization (WTO), and titled "Promoting Access to Medical Technologies and Innovation: Intersections between Public Health, Intellectual Property and Trade" -- "covers a broad range of complex, yet linked issues relating to public health and innovation in medical technologies, with the ultimate goal of accessibility -- making medical advances available globally to all who are sick," according to the press release. Speaking at the launch with the WIPO and WTO director generals, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said the report "demystifies an intricate and extremely complex landscape of laws and policies and makes them accessible to the non-specialist," the press release notes (2/5).